Tag: Police Scotland

Operation Crackle: Two sentenced for 2024 fireworks offences

Two men who were involved in significant disorder during Halloween and Bonfire Night 2024 have been sentenced.

On the 31 October, Jamie Hogg was part of a group of individuals who caused significant damage to the outside of Moredun House, Marytee House, Little France House and Castleview House, Craigour Green, Edinburgh by smashing 45 windows, causing approximately £50,000 worth of damage.

This group were also involved in setting off fireworks towards members of the public.

On the 5 November, Jamie Hogg and Kevin Lankiewicz smashed windows of a convenience store on Moredun Park Road, Edinburgh and set off fireworks towards members of the public and vehicles causing significant disruption to the community.

As a result of inquiries conducted by Edinburgh officers as part of Operation Crackle, the pair were subsequently arrested and charged in November 2024 and thereafter sentenced on 15 September 2026.

Jamie Hogg, who is now 19, was given an 18-month custodial sentence, while 22-year-old Kevin Lankiewicz was given a Restriction of Liberty Order that prohibits him leaving his home address between 7pm and 5am each day.

Supt Neil Wilson from Edinburgh Division said: “In 2024 we saw various incidents of unacceptable disorder and violence across the city during the Halloween and Bonfire Night period and both Hogg and Lankiewicz played a significant role in the offences experienced within the Moredun area.

“Extensive evidence was gathered prior to their arrests, and this subsequently resulted in their conviction and sentencing, which is a timely reminder ahead of Bonfire Night 2026 that we will utilise all resources at our disposal to bring those responsible for such offences to justice.”

FLY Festival: Eight arrests following disorder in city centre

Eight people were arrested following disorder in Edinburgh city centre over the weekend.

Officers policing the FLY Festival music event at Princes Street Gardens on Saturday, 12 and Sunday, 13 September, 2026, were faced with a large number of youths attempting to breach the perimeter fencing, involved in anti-social behaviour, vandalism and assaults.

On Saturday, four males, aged 15, 17, 18 and 27, were arrested and charged in connection with offences including assault, breach of the peace and misuse of drugs.

On Sunday, males, aged 12, 18, 18 and 20, were also arrested in connection with similar offences.

Reports will be submitted to the relevant authorities and enquiries remain ongoing into the disorder.

Superintendent Neil Wilson said: “While the majority of people came along to the event in good spirits and without incident, there were others intent on gaining entry without tickets, involved in disorder and violence, and trespassing on the railway line. Bus transport was also disrupted as officers dealt with various incidents.

“This type of behaviour is unacceptable, dangerous and will not be tolerated. Everyone should be able to attend the city centre without fear of intimidation or harm at the hands of those who cannot conduct themselves in an appropriate manner.

“While there have been eight arrests, further enquiries are ongoing to trace others involved in the disorder. I’d appeal to anyone who has information or footage which could assist us to come forward.”

If you can help, please call 101 quoting reference 1161 of Saturday, 12 September, 2026. Alternatively, you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Men jailed for 17 years each for attempted murder of police officer

A POLICE officer has spoken about the lasting impact of a horror attack which left him fighting for his life in hospital.

Constable Mark Smith, 35, was on duty on Friday, 30 August, 2024 when he approached Douglas Mills Jnr and Douglas Mills Snr in a stationary vehicle on Low Waters Road, Hamilton.

When he attempted to engage with them the vehicle drove off at speed, dragging PC Smith along the road, before leaving him lying seriously injured on the ground.

He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital where he received treatment for extensive injuries including a fractured skull and a significant traumatic brain injury.

Two years on, he is still waiting on reconstructive surgery to his ankle.

Douglas Mills Jnr, 32, and Douglas Mills Snr, 58, were both jailed for 17 years when they returned for sentencing at the High Court in Glasgow today (Monday, 14 September).

Waterfront assault: Man arrested and charged

A 33-year-old man has been arrested and charged following an assault in North Edinburgh.

The incident happened around 7.30pm on Monday, 17 August, in the Waterfront Avenue area.

The man was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday (Friday, 11 September, 2026).

Three people charged following fatal crash near Newbridge

CRASH VICTIM NAMED AS LINDA PATTERSON

A 32-year-old man and two women, aged 19 and 23, have been charged following a fatal crash on the A8 near Newbridge.

Around 9.25am on Monday, 7 September, 2026, officers were called to the crash involving four cars.

A 58-year-old woman, who was driving one of the vehicles, was pronounced dead at the scene. She was Linda Patterson and the following statement has been released on behalf of her family:

“Linda was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend who brought so much love and joy to those who knew her.

“She had an amazing ability to always look on the positive side of life and was a great support and comfort to those she loved.

“Linda was a beautiful soul whose warmth and cheery sense of humour left their mark on everyone she knew.

“She will be greatly missed.

“We are devastated by her loss, but she will be forever in our hearts.”

Sergeant Mike Thomson said: “Our thoughts remain with Linda’s family and friends at this devastating time.

“Our investigation remains ongoing, though we are not looking for anyone else in connection, and we are continuing to appeal for information from the public.

“If you have not already spoken to police and believe you know something which may assist, please get in touch.

“We would also ask anyone with dash-cam footage or private CCTV which may be relevant to contact officers and pass this along.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 0756 of 7 September, 2026.

The two women and the man were due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday (Wednesday, 9 September) and reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Read more – https://orlo.uk/8pQKJ

Three arrested in connection with crash on the A8 at Newbridge

Two women aged 23 and 19 years and a 32-year-old man have been arrested in connection with a crash on the A8 Glasgow Road at Newbridge near Edinburgh.

The incident happened around 9.25am on Monday, 7 September, and involved four vehicles.

The driver of one vehicle, a 58-year-old woman, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Four others were taken to hospital for treatment and released.

Sergeant Mike Thomson said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of the woman who died.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances.”

Murrayfield Stadium incident: Do you know this man?

POLICE have released images of a man they believe can assist with their investigation into an incident that took place around 7.30pm on Saturday, 8 March 2025 at Murrayfield Stadium.

The man is described as around 6ft, of slim build, with grey hair.

At the time, he was wearing black glasses, tartan peaked cap and a long dark grey/black jacket.

Constable Ewan Mitchell said: “I would urge the man pictured, or anyone who has information relating to him, to contact police.

“Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 1254 of 10 March 2025.”

Appeal for information following fatal hit and run on A8 near Newbridge

POLICE are appealing for information following a fatal hit-and-run crash on the A8 Glasgow Road, near Newbridge yesterday (Monday, 7 September, 2026).

Around 9.25am, police received a report of a crash involving a grey Mercedes A250, a black Renault Captur, a grey Skoda Karoq and a grey Hyundai i30.

Emergency services attended, however, the 58-year-old driver of the Hyundai i30 was pronounced dead at the scene.

Four others were taken to hospital for treatment and released.

The two women and a man from the Mercedes left the scene on foot prior to officers arriving.

Extensive enquiries, using specialists resources including air support and the dog unit, were deployed to help trace them and remain ongoing

The road was closed to allow investigation enquiries to be carried out and was re-opened around 7.05pm.

The vehicles were recovered.

Inspector Thomas Mallinson said: “My thoughts are with the family of the person who died at this incredibly difficult time.

“Our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of this crash, and it is vital we trace the three people who left the area before police arrived.

“I am appealing for anyone who witnessed it or who has information which could assist our investigation to contact us.

“I would also ask anyone who was in the area and may have dash-cam footage to please get in touch if it holds anything which could be relevant.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 0756 of 7 September, 2026.

CCTV appeal following serious assault on Princes Street

POLICE in Edinburgh have released images of two men they believe can assist with their investigation after a 24 year-old man was seriously assaulted on Princes Street around 2.35am on Saturday, 1 August, 2026.

The first man is described as white, 5ft 10in and in his late teens to early 20’s. He had blonde hair and was wearing a white t-shirt with grey jeans.

The second man is described as white, 6ft and in his late teens to early 20’s with short dark-coloured hair and glasses. He was wearing a black top with grey shorts and had a tattoo on the back of his left hand.

Detective Constable Gary Lipscombe of Gayfield CID said: “I would urge the men pictured or anyone who recognises them to contact us.

“This area was extremely busy at the time of the incident and I would ask anyone with information to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 0473 of 1 August, 2026. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.”

Local arrests following drug raids

POLICE have recovered drugs with an estimated street value of over £1.4 million in Edinburgh and Uphall.

On Tuesday, 1 September, 2026, officers executed warrants at addresses in the Leith, Granton and the Uphall areas where cannabis, cocaine and a six-figure sum of cash were seized.

Two men aged 37 and 62 were arrested and charged in connection with this recovery. They are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court at a later date.

A 52-year-old man was arrested and released pending further investigation.

Detective Inspector Gavin Howat said: “This significant recovery highlights our commitment to tackling dangerous and illegal drugs in our communities.

“We are determined to protect the public from this harmful criminality by disrupting the drugs trade and preventing them being circulated on the streets of Scotland.

“This operation underlines our commitment to the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce and the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“Information from the public is crucial. Anyone with information or concerns about drugs should contact Police Scotland on 101 or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”